By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Liberia’s House of Representatives has approved a bill that paves the way for transforming the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) into a degree-granting university, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to technical and vocational education.

During its 19th day sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd Session on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the House passed the proposed legislation following the adoption of a report presented by the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration and Judiciary. The bill was introduced by Montserrado County District #2 Representative Hon. Sekou Kanneh.

Under the newly approved law, MVTC will be renamed the Monrovia University of Science and Technical Education (MUSTE). The legislation outlines a three-year phased implementation plan designed to ensure a smooth transition from vocational center to full-fledged university status. As part of the process, the institution is required to submit a detailed transition and compliance plan to the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) within six months of the bill’s enactment.

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has been directed to allocate special budgetary support to MUSTE starting in the 2026 fiscal year. Additionally, a University Council will be established to guide the transformation process. The council will include representatives from key sectors, including government, academia, civil society, and industry.

MUSTE is expected to introduce new academic programs in areas such as industrial engineering, applied sciences, and technical teacher education. Lawmakers believe the university will help address Liberia’s skills gap and strengthen the country’s workforce development strategy.

Speaking during the session, the Chair of the House Committee on Education and Public Administration described the bill’s passage as a historic moment for Liberia’s education system. He emphasized that with strong oversight and adequate investment, MUSTE could emerge as a national center of excellence for technical and scientific training.

The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence before becoming law. If ratified, MUSTE would be Liberia’s first public university focused solely on science and technical education, aligning the country with global trends in skills-based learning and innovation.